History lesson of filemaking, Sheffield

Sheffield was the hub of tool and die making prior to the industrial revolution, and as such for making tools by hand, craftsmen needed files to not only fabricate the tools themselves but also in fitting parts for assembly of locks & hardware.

It'll really make you appreciate all of the effort that went into making an old darby or handmade lock & key

Here is an interesting video explaining in great detail how files were handmade, which in turn supported many other related metalworking industries prior to the 1870's. ...enjoy!

Sheffield filemaking  (((on Youtube)))

 --Vince

I.A.Recordings produced a DVD on Wilf Davies File Maker #21 back in the 1990's
Chris Gower sent me a copy which was filmed at THE LOCK MUSEUM  Walsall 1987 
NGR SO 961 984  
They also produced a video of lever padlocks being made by hand using fly presses to stamp of parts.
Wilf was 80 years of age at the time of filming and started at the age of 14. 

images from internet